T5 Bulbs - 54W or 80W

[EricM]

Switching my mix of T5's & VHO's to all T5. Currently I use the 80W T-5's since my tank is 6' long. I noticed that there seems to be much less selection of bulb brands in the 80W size... anybody else notice this? Is there a reason? Should I switch over to 54W bulbs to get better selection?

What store has the best overall selection of t5 bulbs and accessories (like reflectors...)

 

[PiNaPLeX]

the 5' 80w bulbs are probably less popular because they don't ship very well, and many people just use the 4' bulbs and stagger them for coverage. If you want to get the better brands of T5 bulbs then switching to 4' bulbs might be the way to go, especially with the new UV lighting actinic T5s coming out.

BTW, if you still want to run the bulbs at 80w, the Icecap 660 will overdrive 54w bulbs to 80w.

If you're looking for T5 stuff online check out:

www.reefgeek.com
www.innovativelights.com
www.premiumaquatics.com

they carry a good selection of the best stuff like bulbs, relfectors, ballasts, etc....

 

[EricM]

bump

 

[cxr133]

we just left the LFS and the "guy" there said T5 were not to be used for main lighting that we should use power compacts and use t5 for supplemental.....

what do you guys think of that???

 

[sjm817]

I think your LFS needs to read up on current lighting technology.

 

[EricM]

I'd suggest the guy at the LFS learn something about the hobby.

 

[bassnman11]

He probably sells pc and not t5s. Plus, he probably worked at Burger King last week.haha.